Gift Creates First Endowed Curator Position

The Museum is pleased to announce the establishment of the Tim and Kathryn Ryan Earth Sciences Fund. This $1 million fund is dedicated to supporting the Museum's Earth Sciences Department and institutes the first endowed curator position at the Museum. James W. Hagadorn, PhD, is the first to receive the title Tim and Kathryn Ryan Curator of Geology.

"We are longtime supporters of the Museum," said Tim Ryan, president of Ryan Exploration, Inc., and vice chair of the Board of Trustees. "We are honored to establish a source of funding that will benefit generations to come."

This endowment will aid the Museum in attracting and retaining the best and brightest scientists while strengthening one if its core science specialties, earth sciences.

"I am pleased to receive this honor," said Hagadorn. "We are grateful to the Ryans and know that the Museum and visitors will benefit from this investment in a variety of ways for years to come."

Your generosity ignites our vision

Your support for the Museum powers youth and adult education programs, conservation of artifacts and specimens, scientific research, and world-class permanent and temporary exhibitions.

More than 250 generous supporters of Inspire Curiosity! raised $168,000 that will help the Museum inspire the many visitors who will enjoy the new Morgridge Family Exploration Center for years to come.